Running from one of the cars, Alicia happily approached Esme. “My lady,” Alicia called, smiling as she looked ahead of them, her hands clasped together and her eyes brimming with happiness. 

“We are finally out of there,” Esme said, and Alicia nodded her head. 

“Yes. And it's all thanks to you, my lady,” Alicia said. She looked at Esme gratefully. She was still shocked that Esme was mated to the king, but then, she knew Esme deserved only the best the world could offer. The NightCrawler Pack and Alpha Julius just didn't see her importance and value, and now, someone else had seen it. The goddess smiled on Esme. Their lives would take a turn for the better.

For the first time since the incident, Alicia smiled. She appeared rejuvenated, and her spirit lifted, but she was still cautious. Being in the palace where almost everyone was a high-ranking wolf, she, as an omega, still felt a tad bit suffocated by the overwhelming auras that filled the place.

Meanwhile, Esme felt a little discomfort. She was glad and undoubtedly relieved that she was free from Dane and his Pack, but something was wrong. Was it because she had never left the NightCrawler Pack before? Esme didn't know for certain, but she felt uncomfortable. 

“Is something wrong?” Grant's voice came from beside her, before she felt his hand go around her waist, serving as her support. She leaned on him, finding his presence there comforting. It was able to make her forget the slight discomfort that she felt earlier. She looked up at him, and a small, soft smile appeared on her lips.

“Your Majesty,” Alicia greeted with her head bowed.

“Nothing is wrong,” she said with a shake of her head and quickly looked away as if looking at him was a taboo.

Although he felt hurt by the way she quickly averted her eyes when their eyes met, he understood her now. The healer had explained it all to him. Although she didn't seem to know everything, she had told him all that she knew, and he would have had Alpha killed immediately if he hadn't thought of the other people. 

As much as they all didn't deserve to live, he could kill an entire pack or leave it without an alpha. Especially not after what had happened there. He would have to ask Esme what should become of them before he would take any action against them. She was the one who had suffered in the hands after all.

“Then let's go inside,” he urged. They walked side by side as they moved, the eyes of everyone who saw them furrowed as this was the first time the king had returned with a woman by his side and one so young at that. Their curiosity was undoubtedly piqued, but none dared to ask. 

Esme, aware of the eyes on her, became more uncomfortable and wished she could turn invisible so no one could see her again. She never had a good experience with people staring at her. They always had disdain in their eyes and some other form of animosity towards her and wouldn't hesitate to harm and humiliate her. So, such reactions had become a natural instinct for her.

“It's all right, my love,” Grant said when he noticed her discomfort. Her body had become so rigid that he didn't even need to touch or hold her firmly to know. Her steps, too, have become robotic, and she fidgeted, her hand clenching and unclenching every two seconds. 

“If their gaze bothers you, pretend as though they were never there,” he added, but she didn't seem to hear her even though he was right beside her. This made him realize how much trauma she must have suffered, and the knowledge pierced sharply through his heart as his right clenched tightly beside him. 

He turned and looked at everyone, his gaze sharp and carrying a warning that they all seemed to understand immediately he looked at them. They bowed and dispersed or returned to doing what they were doing before their arrival.

 “Esme,” he stopped, and since he was holding her, she was also forced to stop, and that was when she realized that they weren't loving anymore. Her brows slowly pulled together in confusion when she realized that they were standing right in front of the staircase. 

Grant understood her confusion, but that wasn't the problem. Placing a finger under her chin, he lifted her face slowly and had her looking at him. She attempted looking away, but he held her steady. 

Esme gave, knowing he wouldn't let go of her face and not wanting to anger the king with her disobedience. She stood still. Although her eyes seemed to be looking straight at him, she truly was not. Since she couldn't look away, she chose to look at his ears instead. Or anywhere in front where it wouldn't make it obvious that she was looking at him.

But Grant was well aware that she didn't have eyes on him but didn't comment on it. If that made her feel better, then it was fine.

“It's fine. You are safe here. I promise you that. If anything goes wrong, I want you to trust that I will be right here to protect you,” he said and made her look around. “Everyone here will protect you.”

Esme bit on her lips but nodded meekly. 

Seeing her like that, he gritted his teeth, knowing she still doubted him. The urge to turn around and head for the NightCrawler Pack came overwhelmingly. Had he not had better control of his beast, he would have shifted and dashed towards the said Pack by now, but he remained standing in the same place. His hold on her waist was still gentle enough not to hurt her.

“I will always be here to protect you, Esme,” he said and wrapped his hand around her, enveloping her in embrace. “I hope you'll believe me.”